Way Out West

by Blanche Marriott

  “Huh?” Callie wondered what “we” meant.

  “A cowboy will chase a woman until she catches him.” Then she looked down. “But not with sneakers on.”

  * * *

  Callie soon learned one of the luxuries of her new job was being able to sleep late. It’d been nearly three in the morning before she’d plunked herself in bed and drifted off to sleep. When she awoke, she found she’d sunk so deep into the feather mattress, there was no such thing as rolling out of bed.

  So she stayed put. Staring at the ceiling, studying the patterns on the wood beams, she mulled over everything that had happened yesterday. Meeting Rand, riding a horse, wearing strange clothes, witnessing a showdown. It was hard to believe she had been at Way Out West only one day. She felt a million miles from Los Angeles, truly transported to another time.

  Off in the distance, outside her window, a strange rumbling sound caught her attention. It gradually grew louder and with it came a lot of hootin’ and hollerin’ until gunshots rang out.

  Callie struggled to get her tired, stiff body out of the hole in her bed and managed to stumble to the window, which looked out onto the street.

  Down the street came three riders, kerchiefs covering their noses and mouths. Behind them rode a posse of six: sheriff and five deputies with guns raised and justice on their minds.

  After ducking from the window, lest a stray bullet find its way in, Callie suddenly laughed to herself as she realized the spectators in the street stood calmly watching the show.

  A show. That’s all it was. A bank robbery staged for the benefit of the guests. Cursing herself for being fooled again, she wondered if she’d ever get used to this crazy town. Half an hour later, after washing in the cold water from the night stand, Callie made her way down to the kitchen for breakfast.

  “Breakfast!” said the cook. “That was hours ago. And as for lunch, well it’s every man, or woman, for himself.”

  Sighing after the man left for supplies, Callie rummaged the shelves and found some honey and jam which she spread on two pieces of crusty bread. She poured herself some tea and sat at the big plank table adorned with nothing but a bowl of fruit.

  A nice quiet breakfast was just what she needed.

  “Well, I see you decided to dress a little more comfortably today.” The door swung back and Becky approached like an inspector general with hands on hips. “A full skirt is much better than that tight calico dress. Lots more freedom.”

  Callie had grabbed the skirt and blouse yesterday in the wardrobe room on a whim. The only other thing she’d picked out was a fancy dress with high collar, tight long sleeves and trimmed with lace everywhere.

  Peeking beneath the table, Becky frowned. “But those sneakers have to go.”

  “Aw, Becky. Can’t I just wear them around here? My feet weren’t made for high-ankle boots.”

  “What we need to do is find you the right kind of boot. Come with me. I’ve got a closet that could use some cleaning.”

  Gobbling up the last of her breakfast, Callie followed Becky upstairs while balancing her teacup. Her mouth opened in awe when they entered Becky’s plush bedroom, more plush than anything she’d seen here so far. There were white and gold brocade curtains, a blue and gold comforter on a white and gold canopy bed. A vanity table sat at one end of the room and a gold chaise at the other. Fur skin rugs were scattered about.

  “Wow! This is gorgeous.”

  “Thanks. It’s one of the benefits of being in charge.” She went directly to a closet and pulled out numerous boxes and bags. “Here, start looking through these.”

  Before long, the two women sat on the floor surrounded by boots. Trying on a dozen or so, Callie finally chose a pair of soft brown-leather lacing boots with a tall enough heel to give her height, but not so tall as to hurt her feet. As she slipped the second one on, the lace snapped.

  “Here, let’s tie it off for now, then you can run to the general store for some new laces,” said Becky. “These ought to do ya for walking and riding and whatever.”

  “Forget the riding.”

  “Right.” Becky tossed the rest of the boots back into the closet. “Oh, and here’s some tip money for helping us clean up last night. Now, I’ve got some paper work to do so you go get your new laces and enjoy your day. Be back in time for supper.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  * * *

  Callie was about to enter the general store when she nearly ran headlong into Tyler, Rand’s sworn enemy.

  “We-ell, pretty lady. Where you going on this fine day?” With his hands placed casually on her shoulders, he looked around, up and down the boardwalk. “And where’s that cheatin’ boyfriend of yours? He should be more careful about leaving what belongs to him out in the open where anyone can take it.”

  Callie stiffened. “First of all, he’s not my boyfriend. Second, he’s not a cheater. And third,” she threw her arms up, pushing his away, “I don’t belong to him or anyone else!”

  “Whoo-wee. Feisty little bobcat, ain’t ya?”

  “And don’t you forget it ‘cause next time you lay a hand on me, I’m gonna kick so hard you’ll be spitting from your navel.”

  Tyler’s seedy smile vanished into a grimace. Taking advantage of the pause, she walked straight past him, her head held high, and into the general store. Once inside, she paused to take a deep breath and calm herself. With her sleeve, she dabbed at a film of perspiration above her eyebrows.

  “Good day, young lady. May I help you with anything?” The plump woman behind the counter smiled congenially.

  Callie tried to smooth her flustered appearance and pull herself together. “Um...” Why had she come in here? Ah, yes, laces. “I need some laces.” She pulled her skirt up to show the boot with the broken lace. “I snapped it this morning.”

  “Right over there against the wall, you’ll find what you need. By the way, I’m Anna Mae.”

  “Thanks.” Callie strolled over to the display and chose some brown laces. On her way back to the counter she noticed a rack of string ties and stopped to finger them, remembering what she’d done to Rand’s tie last night.

  “Something else you need?” Anna Mae prompted.

  “Yes, I need a string tie.”

  Anna Mae waddled her plumpness to the metal rack at the end of the counter inquired, “Now is this for you or someone else?”

  “Oh, not me. No, it’s for a friend.” Her cheeks flamed.

  “We have black, brown, blue. Which would you like?”

  Which one? Callie closed her eyes and forced herself to remember what color Rand had worn. “Black, yes it was black.”

  Ann Mae gave her a curious look. “What was black?”

  “The tie I’m replacing. I accidentally broke my friend’s tie and I want to replace it.”

  With a raised eyebrow, Anna Mae let out a, “Whoooee, for a little thing, you sure are tough on strings and laces! All right then, here’s our standard black string tie. How about I wrap that for you as a gift?”

  “That would be nice. Thank you.”

  As Anna Mae prepared the wrapping paper and string, Callie casually browsed down the aisles, swinging her cloth purse. She strolled to the end past some huge bolts of fabric and was about to turn the corner when she heard someone call out.

  “Morning, Anna Mae.” She knew that voice.

  “Rand! How nice to see you again. I thought I saw you walk by earlier.”

  “You’re looking as remarkable as ever.”

  Anna Mae giggled. “Oh, you flatterer. I understand you’ve got eyes for someone else.”

  Callie stiffened and ducked behind a bolt of fabric. Did he have another woman in town?

  “Word spreads fast in a small town,” Rand chuckled.

  “When Lloyd came home last night he told me you’d been in with a real pretty lady. I couldn’t believe it at first. I said, ‘No, not our Rand’ but he put his hand on the Bible and swore an oath. So it’s true then?”

  Callie’s
heart threatened to explode in her chest.

  “True enough. She’s a sight for sore eyes, Anna Mae, and I’d wager she’s every bit a woman as yourself.”

  More giggles. Callie stuck her knuckles in her mouth to keep from gasping aloud. While she felt as flattered as Anna Mae, Rand’s high praise somewhat frightened her. Could she live up to his expectations?

  Anna Mae finally stopped giggling. “With all that charm, I’ll never understand why some woman didn’t snap you up long ago. Now, what can I get for you?”

  Rand cleared his throat. “I need a new string tie. I snapped the end off mine last night.”

  Anna Mae made a stifled snorting sound. “There seems to be a lot of that going around. Over here.”

  She led him over to the rack. Callie could see enough between the bolts to make out Rand’s black coat as he fingered the ties on display.

  “Would you be wanting black?” Anna Mae asked.

  “Yes, that will do fine.”

  Anna Mae walked back behind the counter, but Rand detoured to the front window. “I’d like one of these kites too, if I can find the one my lady friend was admiring last night. Ah, here it is.”

  A tiny string tightened around Callie’s heart. He remembered the exact one. She touched her warm cheeks as she heard him place the kite on the counter.

  “I suppose I should get some material for the tail, right?” Two heavy steps headed Callie’s way. She looked above her head and knew that if he came to the display, he’d see her ducked down, the coward that she was.

  “Wait!” Anna Mae called. “I have some scraps of material over here. You don’t need to buy a whole length from a bolt.”

  Phew. Thankfully, his footsteps retreated and Callie’s pulse relaxed just a hair.

  “Okay, one tie, one kite, some bits of material—on the house. Anything else?” asked Anna Mae.

  “That should do it.” He dropped some bills on the counter after Anna Mae totaled his order then turned without waiting for his change.

  “You have yourself a nice day, Rand, and bring that pretty little lady in to meet me sometime, hear?”

  “I’ll do that.”

  As quietly as he’d come, Rand was gone. Callie stood straight, groaning from being hunched over, and took some slow steps toward the main counter, her eye on the front windows.

  Anna Mae sent her a curious look. “Now, you didn’t purposely stay behind that bolt all this time, did you? Cuz if you did, then I guess there’s no need to wrap this tie for your gentleman friend.” Anna Mae peered closely at Callie.

  Callie tugged at her blouse. “On second thought, I’ll just take it as it is.” She quickly stuffed her purchases in her purse and counted out her money. As she briskly headed for the door she heard Anna Mae’s light chuckle behind her.

  Once outside, Callie looked up the street to see where Rand had gone. She spotted him about two blocks up going into the telegraph office. Turning on her heel, she headed back to the saloon. She didn’t know why she felt so guilty, she just knew she couldn’t face him after hearing him talk about her.

  * * *

  Rand was about to step into the telegraph office when he looked down the street and spotted the beautiful flowing blond locks he’d recognize anywhere. He’d stared long and hard at them yesterday for three torturous miles. He’d nearly buried his nose in her hair to experience the full rush of her scent. Her beauty and smell had been the most invigorating stimuli for someone so long in a state of numbness.

  Without another thought, Rand took off in her direction, the paper kite flapping in the wind of his haste. He jumped down at the end of the next boardwalk and continued running in the street to hasten his progress. Dirt and dust flew everywhere. He had to dodge a horse or two and nearly toppled a woman about to cross the street.

  “Sorry, ma’am.” He caught up with Callie as she was about to enter the saloon. “Well,” he puffed, “fancy meeting you here.” His chest heaved heavily.

  Callie’s eyes opened wide with surprise. “Where did you come from?” She looked over his shoulder and up the street, a puzzled look on her face.

  “I was just happening by when I saw you.” His breathing slowed somewhat, his speech almost returned to normal. “I thought to myself, what would a lovely lady like Miss Callie be wanting to do on such a beautiful day as today?”

  Callie narrowed her eyes and looked suspiciously at the crumpled paper kite in his arms. “And what was the answer?”

  “Well, the obvious answer was to spend it with me. But...” He held a finger to her lips as she opened her mouth to protest his bold suggestion. “But, I knew I needed a little something to make the proposition a bit more enticing.”

  Her eyes grew wide again. God, how he loved those eyes.

  “It just so happens I recently purchased this beautiful kite and I couldn’t think of anything better than having a beautiful woman help me fly it.”

  Callie smiled and cast her eyes down for a shy moment. “And what woman did you decide on, sir?”

  With a slight bow, his voice husky, he said, “Why, you, Miss Callie. The brightest star in this here sky.”

  “You sure know how to flatter a girl.”

  “I may be a little rusty, but I remember the basics.” He lifted a forearm for her to take hold of. “Shall we?”

  She raised her hand then looked down at the string purse hanging from her wrist.

  “Can you give me a minute? I need to go upstairs and dispose of...this.” A rosy glow colored her cheeks. “I don’t imagine I’ll be needing my purse to fly a kite.”

  “Take your time.” The sight of the string purse triggered something in his mind. “In fact, I need to run back to the general store for some string. Can I get you anything?”

  “No!” she blurted. “I mean, no, thank you. I have everything I need.”

  “Then I’ll meet you inside the saloon in five minutes.”

  * * *

  Callie ran up the stairs to her room, dropped her purse on the bed, and headed straight for the basin. She scooped cool water onto her face, washing down the heat and excitement that had risen the moment she heard Rand’s voice in the general store. Their meeting just now had only intensified the feelings tenfold.

  What that man could do to her! The things he said, the look in his eye, the singe of his touch. She licked her lips, remembering the light touch of his finger and tasting its residue. After drying her face she spied her anxiety-lined reflection in the mirror. Eyes closed, she took some deep breaths.

  Okay, calm down. Think quiet thoughts. Think fresh air and soft breezes. Walking in a field. Chasing the wind. Rand’s lips touching mine—

  Her eyes snapped open. So much for calm thoughts.

  She quickly got out the new laces and replaced the old ones, then, with a sigh, she stuffed the tie in her pocket. For a simple kind of life, things were getting awfully complicated.

  Chapter Six

  Descending the stairs, Callie saw Rand bent over one of the card tables, his arms spread wide while he pulled at a stick. The paper kite rustled against his effort to make it conform to the bend of the stick. His upper teeth clamped firmly on his bottom lip creating a comical grimace on the handsome face.

  Callie approached quietly. “Need a hand?”

  The stick snapped back and Rand heaved a frustrating sigh. “Don’t sneak up on me when I don’t know you’re there.”

  “Oh, now that makes a lot of sense.”

  “You know what I mean.” He tightened his lips and looked at the kite determinedly. “I’m afraid if I pull too hard I’ll either break the stick or rip the paper. Can you put your hand here,” he pointed to the place where the sticks crossed, “and press firmly while I try to stretch it one more time?”

  Putting her hand where he indicated, she smiled and asked sweetly, “Sir, is this another one of your propositions?”

  One eyebrow rose in a menacing look. “Callie, I swear, I don’t know whether to kiss you or take you over my knee.”


  “Why, Rand! You say the most flattering things.”

  He grumbled under his breath and returned his attention to the kite. A few more minutes of grunting and groaning successfully rendered one ready-to-fly kite.

  “There. Now, I’ll just add some of these cloth strips for the tail.” He tied several knots until the tail was twice as long as the kite. “Okay, we’re ready for flight.”

  He held the kite up for her to admire, but then he stood motionless, staring deeply into her eyes.

  “What is it?” she asked, uncomfortably.

  “I think it’s an omen. The yellow in the kite matches your hair and the blue of the streamers is the same as your eyes.” He touched a strand of her hair, pushing it over her shoulder.

  Nervously, she brushed back the strand on the other side. “I probably should have tied it back if we’re going out to a windy field.”

  “There’s plenty of cloth left over.” He put the kite down and lifted a piece of blue material. “Would you like me to tie a strip at the back of your hair?”

  The mere suggestion sent her pulse racing again, but she calmly turned her back to allow him access to her long tresses. His fingers gently grazed her jaw, first one side, then the other, as he gathered in the stray hairs. The backs of his fingers brushed ever so lightly against her nape as he pulled all the hair together. He held it in place while reaching for a cloth piece. The strip tickled her neck when he threaded it under the hair and pulled to adjust the length. When Rand finally tightened the knot and twisted the ends into a bow, he placed his hands on her shoulders and breathed near her ear.

  “Beautiful.”

  One word had never sounded so enticing. She had to stop herself from leaning into his chest and begging for his lips on her neck.

  “Let’s go before we get too much of an audience,” he whispered, distracting her from her musings.

  Callie looked around to see Smitty, Sasha, and two customers all staring with glib smiles. She gave a curt wave and led the way out of the saloon. They both laughed as the doors swung behind them. But Callie soon cut her laughter short, which caused Rand to cock his head with concern.